The Best New Wearable Fitness Tech

Want to know which new fitness goods feature technology that’s worth the splurge (rather than technology that, say, wastes your money)? We did too, so we decided to test some of the hottest products to take the guesswork out of the equation for you. And these eight clever gadgets stood out from the pack.

All in StrideLooking for a simple way to record stats on your runs? The TomTom Runner GPS Watch tracks ’em, providing instant feedback on current and average pace, distance, calories, steps and heart rate (if you wear a compatible monitor). Not only does the watch pick up a GPS signal almost anywhere, it also lets you set distance, time and calorie goals. Best part? It vibrates to let you know when you’ve completed 50, 90 and 100 percent of your goal. $170, tomtom.com

Capture the MomentDitch the bulk of a helmet, mount and camera to document tricks and sick air on the trails. Pivothead Recon Black Jet sunglasses streamline the process, fusing sunnies with a built-in HD camera between your eyes. Bonus: They shoot both video and stills, they feature three interchangeable lenses, and they make you feel just a little bit like Ah-nuld in The Terminator. $300, pivothead.com

Preparing for the WorstIf adventure’s your game, ICEdot Crash Sensor’s the name. Create a profile—including your health and emergency contacts—on icedot.org, and it'll sync with the ICEdot iPhone app and crash sensor. If the sensor detects critical impact and you don't intervene, it beams an alert to those contacts, along with your location, so they can send a chopper to come save your crazy ass. $150, icedot.org

Time BanditThe Samsung Galaxy Gear is the perfect transition piece from typing on a computer to pounding the pavement. Download fitness apps to the watch such as Runtastic or MapMyFitness, and leave your Galaxy Note 3 phone behind; the apps work independently and transfer your data automatically to your phone when you get back within Bluetooth range. Plus, the watch can take photos and video in case you want to document that punishing 5K. $300, samsung.com

Run to the BeatA heart rate monitor can be a testy piece of gear. No matter how much you wet it or adjust it, sometimes it still just can’t pick up your heartbeat. Realize you’re in fact not dead hassle-free: The iriverOn rests around your neck with buds for each respective ear. The right earbud tracks your heart rate while the device gives you voice feedback on your HR zone and performance. Sync with your smartphone and you can wirelessly listen to music between coaching cues. $200, iriverinc.com

Man BraceletA tracker that can record your elevation change? It’s here! Log steps taken, distance traveled, calories burned, active minutes and floors climbed thanks to the new FitBit Force. The device’s OLED screen will let you know how active (or, well, lazy) you’re being throughout the day. The device also monitors your sleep patterns and can wake you with a silent alarm, which your lady is sure to appreciate. Did we mention it tells time, too? $130, fitbit.com

Hitting Coach Swing batter, batter, batter… or golfer… or tennis player. Improve your form, speed and accuracy with the Zepp Multi-Sport Training System for tennis, golf and baseball, available November 19th. This device attaches to the sports’ respective equipment (racket, glove, bat), captures statistics such as type of swing, speed and angle of contact and sends the info wirelessly to an app on your phone. You can review the stats during practice to make adjustments, or after the game to dial in your strokes. $150, zepp.com

Bass of the MountainTurn your ski, snowboard or bike helmet into a sound system! Rock out to music and answer phone calls using Outdoor Technology’s Chips. This universal wireless audio device fits into any helmet lining and wirelessly syncs with your phone, so you no longer have to stop shredding and rip off your gloves to take calls. Just be sure to keep the volume reasonable so you can hear your fellow adrenaline junkies. It’s a lot more painful to bail when it comes out of nowhere. $130, outdoortechnology.com